Chamber and committees

In line with data protection requirements, applications from multiple individuals within family groups are received and considered individually. Family members can request to have the same redress case worker assigned to their application. With consent from all parties, information relating to family members’ applications can be shared for consideration by Redress Scotland panel members.

The official statistics, available at Scotland's Redress Scheme Statistics December 2021 - June 2025, provide information on applications, outcomes and payments made in the first 42 months of Scotland's Redress Scheme.

While these do not include information specifically about the allocation of applications to case workers, we recognise that many applicants are waiting too long for their applications to be progressed and an outcome to be determined.

Each application for Redress is unique. Applications progress at differing rates depending on how complete they are when submitted, the availability of information, evidence and records, and the extent of verification checks required. It is not possible to provide a timescale from receipt of an application through to receipt of payment and apology, given the unique nature of applications.

The Scottish Government is committed to minimising wait times for applicants as much as possible. Case worker recruitment is under way and I am meeting with the Scottish Government case work team and the Chair of Redress Scotland to discuss further options for the operation of the scheme.

There are currently 25 redress case workers employed by the Scottish Government. Case workers are responsible for communicating with applicants throughout the application process and assisting applicants to complete applications. Case workers can refer applicants to the Redress Support Service who provide support to complete the application, obtain records and non-specialist emotional support.

The 2026-2027 Scottish Budget includes an increase in funding for the Scottish Government Redress Division. This will allow for the recruitment of additional caseworkers and an increase in operational capacity. Recruitment of 8 additional case workers is underway, with 3 already appointed and due to start with the Redress Division by 27 July 2026. A further 10 contingent workers are being recruited to assist with case work functions.

When the ongoing recruitment is completed, the total number of operational staff will be the highest the Scheme has ever had.

Applications progress at differing rates depending on how complete they are when submitted, the availability of information, evidence and records, and the extent of verification checks required.

Applicants can pause their application at any time and some applicants disengage from the process for a period of time then later return.

The official statistics, available at Scotland's Redress Scheme Statistics December 2021 - June 2025, provide information on applications, outcomes and payments made in the first 42 months of Scotland's Redress Scheme.

Redress Scotland currently has 53 appointed panel members.

Recruitment activity is ongoing to further expand this capacity, with an additional 15 to 20 panel members expected to be recommended to Scottish Ministers for appointment over the period July to August 2026. This reflects a continued effort to ensure that Redress Scotland has sufficient resource to manage increased demand and support the timely progression of applications.

The official statistics, available at Scotland's Redress Scheme Statistics December 2021 - June 2025, provide information on applications, outcomes and payments made in the first 42 months of Scotland's Redress Scheme.

The Scheme is completely survivor led and as such, it is common for applicants to pause their application or disengage from the application process. Applicants can return to their application whenever they feel ready to do so. These circumstances reflect a proportion of applications with the longest waiting times.

The future investment on maintenance at the A83 Rest and Be Thankful in the next five years is estimated in the table below. These figures exclude funding for construction or development of the medium-term and long-term solutions, which will be determined through annual budget processes. These figures are provisional and are subject to change, for example due to unpredictable landslip events, findings from geo-hazard assessments, competing priorities, etc.

Spend on the A83 Rest and Be Thankful is provided in the following table. All figures are inclusive of VAT where applicable.

Transport Scotland carries out a rigorous assessment process to establish the preferred option for a trunk road improvement. The three stage assessment process is based on the standards of good practice set by the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) and includes engagement with stakeholders.

Five route options were assessed for a permanent, long-term solution to the landslide challenges at the Rest and Be Thankful. These options included an option along the base of the Glen Croe valley as well as an option on the opposite side of the glen, on the route of an existing forestry track, as suggested by the A83 Campaign Group. The outcome of this assessment work is set out in the published DMRB Stage 2 Route Options Assessment Report.

As requested at the A83 Taskforce meeting in October, Transport Scotland has undertaken additional design and appraisal work in consultation with the A83 Rest and Be Thankful Campaign Group regarding the appraisal of two-way free flowing options for a medium-term solution and the findings from this work was presented at the last Taskforce meeting in March 2026.

I am aware of the Campaign Group’s desire to make their suggested two-way free flowing medium-term solution along the forestry track the permanent long-term solution.

I am now seeking advice from my officials at Transport Scotland on the outcome of this appraisal work and will make a decision in due course.

In relation to the long-term solution to the landslip challenges at the Rest and Be Thankful, an economic assessment has been undertaken in accordance with the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges, which sets the standard for good practice for assessing and designing roads and is used throughout the UK. The Design Manual for Roads and Bridges Stage 3 Assessment Report, which includes the traffic and economic assessment, can be found on the Transport Scotland website.

The traffic and economic assessment considers the traffic and economic performance of the preferred route option, including consideration of the ways the option improves the resilience, safety and operation of the route. The A83 is considered key infrastructure in supporting the wider national economy through; connecting businesses and communities, facilitating access to essential services, and supporting jobs and activities in industries such as healthcare, education, aquaculture, forestry, tourism, energy and renewables. Therefore, consideration of the wider economic benefits also forms a key part of that assessment.